Fluid control valve system and methods

ABSTRACT

A diaphragm-type control valve having a diaphragm and a valve body is provided preferably for use in the separation of and fluid control between a fluid source and a pressurized gas volume. The diaphragm element and a port in the body together form an intermediate chamber that eliminates the need for a check-valve downstream of the valve. In one preferred embodiment, an inner surface of the valve body defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber, and an elongated seat member defining a groove in communication with the port. A diaphragm member having upper and lower surfaces is disposed within the chamber. The lower surface preferably includes a pair of spaced apart elongated members defining a channel therebetween. The diaphragm member engages the seat member placing the channel in communication with the groove to define an air seat in communication with the port.

PRIORITY DATA AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a 35 U.S.C. 371 application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US 2007/082006, filed Oct. 19, 2007, which claimsthe benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/862,305, filed Oct. 20, 2006 and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/887,040, filed Jan. 29, 2007, each of which isincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diaphragm-type fluid control valves can provide controlled fluidseparation and flow along a pipe-line, manifold or other piping network.Generally, the diaphragm-type valve includes a flexible diaphragmelement to control fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of thevalve body. More specifically, in known diaphragm-type valves, thediaphragm element engages a seat formed within the valve body toseparate the interior chamber of the valve body into three parts: (i)the inlet chamber which can hold the supply fluid, (ii) and outletchamber which receives fluid from the inlet chamber for discharge outthe outlet and (iii) a diaphragm chamber which can hold a fluid underpressure to urge and maintain the diaphragm element in the seatedposition. Upon release of fluid pressure from the diaphragm chamber, thediaphragm element can be displaced from the seated position by thepressure of fluid in the inlet chamber and fluid flow is permittedbetween the inlet and the outlet chambers. Known diaphragm elements anddiaphragm-type control valves are shown and described in European PatentApplication No. EP 0928917, U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,484 and U.S. Pat. No.7,059,578, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. Another known diaphragm-type valve is shown and described inTyco Fire & Building Products data sheet TFP1305 entitled, “Model DV-5Deluge Valve, Diaphragm Style, 1½ thru 8 Inch (DN40 thru DN200), 250psi. (17.2 bar) Vertical or Horizontal Installation” (March 2004) asdescribed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/887,040.

One particular application for using known diaphragm-control valves isin the control of fluid flow between a fluid source under pressure suchas, for example, a water main, and another fluid volume such as, forexample, a network of pipes filled with a air. When a diaphragm-typevalve is used to separate two fluid volumes that are to be independentlypressurized, a check-valve is typically employed downstream of thediaphragm valve to form a seat against which the air or other fluidpressure may build downstream of the valve. For example, dry preactionfire protection systems employ a riser check-valve downstream of thediaphragm control valve to provide a seat for pressurizing thedownstream network of pipes and sprinklers with pressurized gas. Suchpreaction system installations are shown for example in the followingTyco Fire & Building Product data sheets, each of which is incorporatedby reference in their entirety and described in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/887,040 respectively: (i) TFP1420 “Preaction Systemwith Model DV-5 Deluge Valve Single Interlock, Supervised—ElectronicActuation 1½ thru 8 Inch (DN40 thru DN200)” (September 2004) showing ariser check valve 16 in FIG. 1; (ii) TFP1415 “Preaction System withModel DV-5 Deluge Valve Single Interlock, Supervised—Dry Pilot Actuation1½ thru 8 Inch (DN40 thru DN200)” (September 2004) showing a riser checkvalve 17 in FIG. 1; (iii) TFP1410 “Preaction System with Model DV-5Deluge Valve Single Interlock, Supervised—Wet Pilot Actuation 1½ thru 8Inch (DN40 thru DN200)” (September 2004) showing a riser check valve 14in FIG. 1; (iv) TFP1465 “Preaction System with Model DV-5 Deluge ValveDouble Interlock—Electronic/Electric Actuation 1½ thru 8 Inch (DN40 thruDN200)” (September 2004) showing a riser check valve 16 in FIG. 1; and(v) TFP1460 “Preaction System with Model DV-5 Deluge Valve DoubleInterlock—Electronic/Pneumatic Actuation 1½ thru 8 Inch (DN40 thruDN200)” (September 2004) showing a riser check valve 16 in FIG. 1.Effectively, the check valve defines for the system two pressuresbetween the control valve and the network of sprinklers: (i) a firstpressure down stream of the check valve equivalent to the supervisoryair of the system; and (ii) a second pressure upstream of the valvebetween the control valve and the check valve that is different than thefirst pressure. The second pressure is typically atmospheric pressure toprovide for a drain and/or an alarm port to comply with the installationor operational requirements under one or more standards such as, forexample, Factory Mutual (FM) LLC publication, “Approval Standard: ForAutomatic Water Control Valves—Class Number 1020” (April 2007) (“FMStandard 1020”).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a fluidcontrol valve is provided with an internal diaphragm member that axiallyseparates two chambers from one another with an intermediate chamber inbetween. In one aspect, the preferred control valve can be installed inpiping systems, such as for example, the preaction fire protectionsystems described above without the need for a check valve downstream ofthe control valve. Instead, the intermediate chamber of the preferredcontrol valve can provide for the drain and/or alarm port at atmosphericpressure. Thus, the preferred control valve can provide for a single andpreferably substantially constant pressure between the control valve andthe network of sprinklers. Preferably adjacent each of the two axiallyseparated chambers is a diaphragm chamber for controlled operation ofthe diaphragm member. The preferred orientation of the diaphragm chamberrelative to the axially spaced chambers provides that the diaphragmchamber can seal the axially spaced chambers from one another with adiaphragm fluid pressure that is almost at a preferred 1:1 ratio andmore preferably at a 1:1.2 ratio, with the fluid pressure in either oneof the two axially separated chambers. Moreover, the preferred controlvalve, the diaphragm, and orientation of the chambers provide for acontrolled seal between the axially spaced chambers that can compensatefor fluctuations and surges in the fluid pressure in either of one ofthe two axially separated chambers.

In another preferred embodiment, a diaphragm-type control valve isprovided for use in the separation and flow control between a firstfluid volume at a first fluid pressure and a second fluid volume at asecond fluid pressure. The preferred diaphragm-type control valveprovides a chamber having a first sealed engagement for sealing thefirst fluid volume and a second sealed engagement for sealing the secondfluid volume. The first sealed engagement is preferably spaced from thesecond sealed engagement so as to define an intermediate chambertherebetween. More preferably, the intermediate chamber is exposed toatmosphere so as to define an alarm port for detecting a breach ineither the first or second sealed engagement. Accordingly, one preferredembodiment of a fluid control valve includes a valve body having a firstinner surface defining a chamber having a first axis and a second axissubstantially perpendicular to the first axis. The chamber furtherincludes an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber andsubstantially aligned along the first axis. The inner surface alsopreferably includes an elongated seat member substantially aligned alongthe second axis and preferably defining a groove. A portion of the bodyfurther preferably defines a port in communication with the groove. Thepreferred control valve also includes a diaphragm member disposed withinthe chamber for controlling communication between the inlet and theoutlet. The diaphragm member has an upper surface and a lower surface.The lower surface preferably includes a pair of spaced apart elongatedmembers defining a channel therebetween. The diaphragm member preferablyhas a first position permitting communication between the inlet and theoutlet and at least a second position wherein the elongated members arein sealed engagement with the seat member such that the channel is incommunication with the groove and the port.

In one preferred embodiment of the diaphragm member, the diaphragmmember defines a central axis substantially perpendicular to the firstand second axis. Furthermore each of the elongated members includes anangled surface extending from the lower surface of the diaphragm memberto define a surface of the channel and terminating in a peak.Accordingly, the elongated members preferably define a substantiallytriangular cross area.

In a preferred embodiment of the valve body, the seat member defines asubstantially planar surface extending along an arc length in itsdirection of elongation. Moreover, the valve body further includes afirst brace member and a second brace member disposed about and engagedwith the seat member. Preferably the first and second brace members areintegrally formed with the seat member.

In another preferred embodiment of the valve body, the valve bodydefines a central axis substantially perpendicular to the first andsecond axes, and the port is preferably substantially aligned with thecentral axis. The port further preferably has a first portion having afirst width opening and a second portion axially aligned with the firstportion, the second portion having a second width opening having a widthsmaller than the first width opening. More preferably, the first portionand the second portion are substantially cylindrical each having acentral axis, the central axis of the first portion being spaced fromthe central axis of the second portion. In addition, the second width isdefined along the first axis and the second portion defines a thirdwidth along the second axis greater than the second width. Furthermore,the port preferably defines a substantially elongated ovalcross-section.

In another preferred embodiment, provided is a valve including a bodyhaving an inlet, an outlet and inner surface defining a passagewaybetween the inlet and the outlet. The body further includes anatmospheric port in communication with the passageway and locatedbetween the inlet and the outlet. Moreover, the valve includes aflexible member engaged with the inner surface to dissect the passagewayto define an inlet chamber in communication with the inlet, an outletchamber in communication with the outlet and an intermediate chamber incommunication with the port. Preferably, the port includes a firstportion defining a first width and a second portion axially aligned withthe first portion and defining a second width, wherein further the firstwidth is greater than the second width.

Another preferred embodiment provides a method of pressurizing a fluidinlet and a fluid outlet chamber in a fluid control valve having adiaphragm member between the inlet and outlet chambers. The methodpreferably includes sealing the diaphragm to form the first fluidchamber axially spaced from the second fluid supply chamber, andexposing a portion of the diaphragm between the inlet and outletchambers to atmospheric air pressure to form an air seat.

Another preferred embodiment provides a system for fire protectionhaving a primary fluid, a secondary fluid, a closed piping network ofsprinklers, and a fluid control valve. The control valve includes a bodyhaving an inlet coupled to the primary fluid, an outlet coupled to thenetwork of pipes and an inner surface defining a passageway between theinlet and the outlet and a flexible member engaged with the innersurface. The flexible member dissects the passageway to define an inletchamber in communication with the inlet for housing the primary fluid ata first pressure, and an outlet chamber in communication with thenetwork of pipes so as to form a normally closed system to house thesecondary fluid at a second pressure. The second pressure is preferablysubstantially constant between the outlet chamber and the network ofpipes and greater than atmospheric pressure.

Accordingly, the various preferred embodiments of the preferablyhydraulically operated control valve, its diaphragm and method of usecan provide one or more of the following features: a design that employsa minimum number of moving components to reduce wear, a constructionthat facilitates easy assembly and serviceability, and reliableperformance. In addition, the preferred embodiments provide for pipingsystems, and more specifically fire protections systems, such as forexample, preaction and non-preaction (deluge systems). In the case ofpreaction systems, the preferred control valve can minimize the numberof components required for a complete system that is preferablycompliant with applicable installation and operational standards andrequirements by consolidating in a single valve the functions of: (i)controlled sealing between the “wet” region of the system and the “dry”region of the system; and (ii) providing a monitoring region, preferablyexposed to atmosphere, between the “wet” and “dry” regions which canprovide visual and/or audio indication of valve and/or system operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and, together with the general description given above andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain the features ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred control valve,

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the control valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the control valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a plan view of the control valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C is a detailed view of a preferred threaded stud assembly for usein the control valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a plan-view of the upper surface of a preferred diaphragm foruse in the control valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a plan-view of the lower surface of the diaphragm in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the diaphragm along axis IIIC-IIICin FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3D is another cross-section view of the diaphragm along axisIIIC-IIIC in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4A is a plan-view of the lower valve body of the control valve inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional detailed view of the lower valve body inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the lower valve body along axisIVC-IVC in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is another cross-sectional view of the lower valve body alongaxis IVD-IVD in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is cross-sectional perspective schematic view of the controlvalve of FIG. 1 installed in a preferred piping manifold.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of another preferred installation of thecontrol valve of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Shown in FIG. 1 is an illustrative embodiment of a preferred controlvalve 10. The valve 10 includes a valve body 12 through which fluid canflow in a controlled manner. More specifically, the control valve 10provides a diaphragm-type hydraulic control valve for preferablycontrolling the release and mixture of a first fluid volume having afirst fluid pressure, such as for example a water main, with a secondfluid volume at a second fluid pressure, such as for example, compressedgas contained in a network of pipes. Accordingly, the control valve 10can provide fluid control between fluids or various media includingliquids, gasses or combinations thereof.

The control valve 10 is preferably configured for installation in apiping manifold or other piping assembly to separate and control fluidflow between the first fluid volume and the second fluid volume. Thecontrol valve 10 includes a valve body 12 preferably constructed in twoparts: (i) a cover portion 12 a and (ii) a lower body portion 12 b.“Lower body” is used herein as a matter of reference to a portion of thevalve body 12 coupled to the cover portion 12 a when the control valveis fully assembled. Preferably, the valve body 12 and more specifically,the lower body portion 12 b includes an inlet 14 and outlet 16. Each ofthe inlet and outlet 14, 16 of the body 12 includes an appropriate endfitting for coupling to the manifold. Thus, inlet 14 preferably includesa flanged end for coupling to a first fluid supply line, such as forexample a water main, and the outlet 16 also preferably includes aflanged end for coupling to another pipe fitting such as, for example, adischarge pipe coupled to a network of interconnected pipes. The controlvalve 10 can be installed in either a horizontal orientation such thatfluid entering the inlet 14 at one elevation is discharged from theoutlet 16 at the same elevation, or alternatively, the control valve canbe installed in a vertical orientation such that fluid entering theinlet at one elevation is discharged from the outlet at a differentelevation.

The inlet 14, outlet 16 and valve body 12 can be sized so as to providea range of nominal valve sizes for coupling to corresponding pipe size.Preferably, the inlet 14, outlet 16 and valve body 12 define nominalvalve sizes of 1 inch and larger and more specifically nominal valvesizes of 1½ inch, 2 inch, 3 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch and 8 inch, howeverother nominal valve sizes can be provided. Preferably, construction ofthe valve 12, the cover 12 a and the lower valve body 12 b areseparately cast and machined to provide the preferred openings andsurface treatments such as threaded openings. However, other processesfor construction and manufacturing can be used. The valve body 12 ispreferably cast from ductile iron however other materials may be usedprovided they are suitable for a given fluid flow application.

The valve body 12 also includes a drain 18 for diverting the first fluidentering the valve 10 through the inlet 14 to outside the valve body.The valve body 12 further preferably includes an input opening 20 forintroducing the second fluid into the body 12 for discharge out theoutlet 16. An exemplary cover 12 a, and lower body 12 b with an inlet14, an outlet 16, a fluid drain 18 and an input opening 20, is shown anddescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,095,484 and 7,059,578. However, unlike thevalves shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,095,484 and 7,059,578,the preferred diaphragm-type control valve 10 further includes a valvebody 12 with a port 22. The inventors have discovered that the inclusionof a port 22 in the valve body 12 can provide means for an alarm systemmonitoring the valve for any undesired fluid communication from and/orbetween the inlet 14 and the outlet 16. For example, the port 22 can beused for providing an alarm port to the valve 10 so that individuals canbe alerted as to any gas or liquid leak from the valve body 12. Morespecifically, the port 22 can be coupled to a flow meter and alarmarrangement to detect the fluid or gas leak in the valve body. Inaddition, the port 22 is preferably open to atmosphere and incommunication with an intermediate chamber disposed between the inlet 14and the outlet 16. Each of the fluid drain 18, input opening 20 and port22 can include an appropriately threaded opening or other mechanicalfastening member for coupling an appropriate pipe fitting or nipple tothe given orifice.

Shown in FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the preferred valve 10 showingthe internal components of the valve 10. The cover 12 a and the lowerbody portion 12 b are preferably coupled together by a plurality ofbolts distributed in a bolt pattern about the body 12. Shown in FIG. 2Bis a plan view of the control valve 10 and a preferred bolt pattern thatincludes eight nut and bolt assemblies. In an alternative bolt assembly,shown for example in FIG. 2C, a threaded stud nut and assembly 50 can beutilized. The stud assembly 50 preferably includes a threaded stud 52engaged with the corner bolt holes of the cover 12 a and the lower valvebody 12 b. To secure the cover 12 a to the assembly, the washer and nutcan be threaded onto and tightened about the stud 52. The stud assembly50 can facilitate the assembly of the control valve 10 when installed inthe vertical orientation. More specifically, preferably four threadedstuds 52 can be equally spaced about the bolt pattern engaged with thelower valve body 12 b. The studs can be permanently or temporarily fixedto the lower valve body 12 b. The cover 12 a can then be disposed overthe threaded studs 52 and permitted to hang supported by the threadedstuds 52 thereby freeing an assembler's hands to complete the controlvalve assembly with the necessary threaded bolt and nut assemblies.Preferably, each of the threaded studs 52 are preferably rated tosupport a transverse load of between fifty to one hundred pounds (50-100lbs.). To further facilitate assembly of the control valve 10, the cover12 a can include one or more eyelets to which a hook and cable or chainmay be secured for lifting the cover 12 a into position adjacent thelower valve body 12 b.

The cover 12 a and the lower body 12 b each include an inner surfacesuch that when the cover and lower body portion 12 a, 12 b are joinedtogether, the inner surfaces further define a chamber 24. The chamber24, being in communication with the inlet 14 and the outlet 16, furtherdefines a passageway through which a fluid, such as water, can flow.Disposed within the chamber 24 is a flexible preferably elastomericmember 100 for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve body 12.The elastomeric member 100 is more preferably a diaphragm memberconfigured for providing selective communication between the inlet 14and the outlet 16. Accordingly, the diaphragm has at least two positionswithin the chamber 24: a lower most fully closed or sealing position andan upper most or fully open position.

In the lower most closed or sealing position, as seen for example inFIG. 2A, the diaphragm 100 engages a seat member 26 constructed orformed as an internal rib or middle flange within the inner surface ofthe valve body 12 thereby sealing off communication between the inlet 14and the outlet 16. With the diaphragm 100 in the closed position, thediaphragm 100 preferably dissects the chamber 24 into at least threeregions or sub-chambers 24 a, 24 b and 24 c. More specifically formedwith the diaphragm member 100 in the closed position is a first fluidsupply or inlet chamber 24 a in communication with the inlet 14, asecond fluid supply or outlet chamber 24 b in communication with theoutlet 16 and a diaphragm chamber 24 c. The cover 12 a preferablyincludes a central opening 13 for introducing an equalizing fluid intothe diaphragm chamber 24 c to urge and hold the diaphragm member 100 inthe closed position. Preferably, the equalizing fluid is provided fromthe first fluid source such that any surges in flow or pressureexperienced at the inlet chamber 24 a is also experienced in thediaphragm chamber 24 c such that diaphragm chamber can react andcompensate with a diaphragm pressure to maintain the diaphragm member100 in the closed position.

Moreover, the preferred relative orientation of the sub-chambers 24 a,24 b, 24 c is such that the each of the inlet and outlet chambers 24 a,24 b are adjacent the diaphragm chamber 24 c which, in combination withthe flexibility of the diaphragm member 100, contributes to the abilityof the diaphragm chamber 24 c to compensate for surges in the flow orpressure experienced in either the inlet or outlet chambers 24 a, 24 b.In addition, the preferred orientation can further facilitate theperformance of the valve 10 to maintain the sealed engagement of thediaphragm member 100 under the preferred ratio of equalizing fluidpressure to primary fluid pressure in a manner described in greaterdetail below. Known fluid control valves that use either a more rigidtype of diaphragm or mechanical latching clapper are believed to requirean increased mechanical force or equalizing pressure to maintain a sealwithin the valve in order to compensate for any possible surges orfluctuations in the fluid being conveyed.

In operation of the control valve 10, the equalizing fluid can berelieved from the diaphragm chamber 24 c in preferably a controlledmanner to urge the diaphragm member 100 to the fully open or actuatedposition, in which the diaphragm member 100 is spaced from the seatmember 26 thereby permitting the flow of fluid between the inlet 14 andthe outlet 16. The fluid release from the diaphragm chamber 24 c can beregulated by way of, for example, an electrically controlled solenoidvalve, such that the diaphragm member 100 can achieve regulatedpositions between the fully closed position and the fully open position.Accordingly, the diaphragm member 100 is preferably electricallyactuated between the open and closed positions. Alternatively, thediaphragm can be actuated, regulated and/or closed or latched by othermechanisms such as, for example, a mechanical latching mechanism.

Shown in FIGS. 3A-3D is an illustrative embodiment of the diaphragmmember 100. The diaphragm member 100 includes an upper surface 102 and alower surface 104 preferably circumscribed by a flange portion 101having a bolt pattern for being compressed and secured between the cover12 a and lower valve body 12 b. Each of the upper and lower surfaceareas 102, 104 are generally sufficient in size to seal offcommunication of the inlet and outlet chamber 24 a, 24 b from thediaphragm chamber 24 c. The upper and lower surface areas 102, 104 arepreferably substantially circular in plan view however other geometriesare possible depending on the geometry of the chamber 24 and providedthat the surfaces effectively dissect and seal the chamber 24. Anexemplary configuration of the upper surface 102 of the diaphragm member100 is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,578. Accordingly, theupper surface 102 preferably includes a centralized or interior ringelement 105 and radially extending therefrom are one or more tangentialrib members 106. The tangential ribs 106 and interior ring 105 areconfigured to urge the diaphragm 100 to the sealing position upon, forexample, application of an equalizing fluid to the upper surface 102 ofthe diaphragm member 100. The diaphragm 100 preferably defines a centralaxis A-A about which the rib members 106 are preferably disposed.Alternate configurations of the upper surface 102 is possible.

Additionally, the diaphragm 100 preferably includes an outer elastomericring element 108 to further urge the diaphragm member 100 to the closedposition. In the complete assembly of the valve 10, as seen for examplein FIG. 2A, the outer preferably angled surface of the flexible ringelement 108 engages and provides pressure contact with a portion of thevalve body 12 such as, for example, the interior surface of the cover 12a. Thus, the flexible ring element 108 assists in urging the diaphragm100 towards its sealing position to permit closure of the valve.

Another exemplary configuration of the upper surface 102 of thediaphragm member 100 is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,484.More specifically, the upper surface can include a pluralityalternatively or in addition to a plurality of ribs (not shown) in aring arrangement and located centrally atop the upper surface 102 of thediaphragm member 100. The ring arrangement is preferably configured toengage the inner surface of the cover 12 a and apply a force urging thediaphragm member 100 toward its closed position.

In its closed position, the lower surface 104 of the diaphragm member100 preferably defines a centralized bulged portion 110 to avoidexcessive stretching of the diaphragm material during diaphragm cyclingand to enhance stability in both the upper and lower positions. Thelower surface 104 thus preferably presents a substantially convexsurface, and more preferably a spherical convex surface, with respect tothe seat member 26, having an area A1, and the upper surface 102presents a substantially concave surface, and more preferably aspherically concave surface with respect to the diaphragm chamber 24 c,having an area A2. Upper surface A2 is preferably about equal to A1.Portions of the lower surface 104 act to seal off fluid communicationfrom the other chambers, i.e. a portion of lower surface 104 seals theinlet chamber 24 a from the outlet chamber 24 b and the diaphragmchamber 24 c. Accordingly, substantially convex surfaces are preferablypresented to seal off the inlet and outlet chambers 24 a and 24 b.Moreover, the preferred geometry of the sub-chambers 24 a, 24 b, 24 crelative to one another preferably provides that the areas sealing theinlet and outlet chambers 24 a, 24 b are about equal, and that the inletchamber 24 a is sealed off by a portion of the lower surface 104 havingan area of about ½ A1, and the outlet chamber is sealed off by a portionof the lower surface 104 having an area of about ½ A1. In one preferredembodiment of the diaphragm 100, the lower surface 104 defines a firstradius of curvature and the upper surface 102 defines a second radius ofcurvature. Where the diaphragm 100 includes a middle layer 103, themiddle layer can further define a third radius of curvature. The variousradii of curvatures can be measured from a common central point oralternatively from different center points. The ratio of the radius ofcurvature of a lower layer to the radius of curvature of an upper layeris preferably greater than 1 and sufficient to permit the lower surface104 to engage the seat member 26 when the diaphragm 100 is in the lowerposition to adequately seal off the inlet and outlet chambers 24 a, 24b. Alternatively or in addition to, the lower surface 104 can furtherdefine more than one radius of curvature such that the lower surface 104engages the seat member 26 in a sealing manner.

In one preferred embodiment of the diaphragm member 100 for use in avalve body having a nominal valve size of four inches (4 in.), themiddle layer defines a radius of curvature of about 7.75 inches to abouteight inches (8 in.) and is preferably about 7.95 inches. The uppersurface 102 preferably defines a radius of curvature of about 7.5 inchesto about 7.75 inches and is preferably about 7.6 inches. Each of theradii of curvatures for the middle layer 103 and the upper surface 102is preferably measured from a common central point along the centralaxis A-A of diaphragm member 100. Thus, the ratio of the radii ofcurvatures of the middle layer 103 to the upper surface 102 in apreferred four inch (4 in.) valve is about 1.05:1. In addition, thelower surface 104 preferably defines at least one radius of curvatureranging from about 4.25 inches to about 4.5 inches and is preferablyabout 4.33 inches measured from a center point off-set from the centralaxis A-A of the diaphragm member 100. More preferably, the center pointis horizontally off-set from the central axis by about 1.4 inches andvertically off-set from the elastomeric ring by about 2.1 inches.Moreover, the bulged portion 110 preferably defines a diameter rangingfrom about 10.10 inches to about 11.10 inches and is preferably about10.47 inches. The elastomeric ring element 108 preferably defines anouter diameter ranging from about 10.20 inches to about 10.5 inches andis preferably about 10.24 inches and more preferably about 10.34 inches.The elastomeric ring element 108 preferably defines an inner diameter ofabout 9.25 inches to about 9.5 inches and is preferably about 9.45inches and more preferably about 9.29 inches. The overall height of thediaphragm from the upper surface of the elastomeric ring element 108 tothe lower surface 104 ranges from about 3.5 inches to about 2.75 inchesand preferably ranges from about 2.95 inches to about 3.35 inches.

In one preferred embodiment of the diaphragm member 100 for use in avalve body having a nominal valve size of six inches (6 in.), the middlelayer 103 defines a radius of curvature of about 8.5 inches to about 9inches and is preferably about 8.78 inches and even more preferablyabout 9.06 inches. The upper surface 102 preferably defines a radius ofcurvature of about 8.25 inches to about 8.75 inches and is preferablyabout 8.58 inches. Each of the radii of curvatures for the middle layer103 and the upper surface 102 is preferably measured from a commoncentral point along the central axis A-A of diaphragm member 100. Thus,the ratio of the radii of curvatures of the middle layer 103 to theupper surface 102 in a preferred six inch (6 in.) valve is about 1.03:1.In addition, the lower surface 104 preferably defines at least oneradius of curvature ranging from about 5.25 inches to about 5.5 inchesand is preferably about 5.3 inches measured from a center point off-setfrom the central axis A-A of the diaphragm member 100. More preferably,the center point is horizontally off-set from the central axis by about1.6 inches and vertically off-set from the elastomeric ring by about 2.4inches. Moreover, the bulged portion 110 preferably defines a diameterranging from about 12.45 inches to about 13.75 inches and is preferablyabout 12.9 inches. The elastomeric ring element 108 preferably definesan outer diameter ranging from about 11.51 inches to about 13.51 inchesand is preferably about 12 inches and more preferably about 12.51inches. The elastomeric ring element 108 preferably defines an innerdiameter of about 10.42 inches to about 12.42 inches and is preferablyabout 12 inches and more preferably about 11.42 inches. The overallheight of the diaphragm from the upper surface of the elastomeric ringelement 108 to the lower surface 104 ranges from about 3.5 inches toabout 4.5 inches and preferably ranges from about 3.82 inches to about4.21 inches. The preferred diaphragm member 100 is configured to engageand cooperate with the inner surfaces of the cover 12 a and lower body12 b to define the three chambers 24 a, 24 b, 24 c in an orientationthat can provide for a diaphragm chamber 24 c that can effectivelycompensate for fluctuation and/or surges in fluid pressure in either oneof the inlet and outlet chambers 24 a, 24 b.

The lower surface 104 of the diaphragm member 100, as seen morespecifically in FIG. 3B, preferably includes one or more support pads orelements 112 for supporting the diaphragm member 100 when the diaphragmcycles between the open and closed positions within the chamber 24. Morespecifically, the support pads 112 are configured to engage a portion ofthe inner surface of the lower valve body 12 b to support the diaphragm100.

The lower surface 104 of the diaphragm member further preferablyincludes a pair of elongated sealing elements or projections 114 a, 114b to form a sealed engagement with the seat member 26 of the valve body12. The sealing elements 114 a, 114 b preferably extend in a parallelfashion along the lower surface 104 for a length about equivalent to themaximum arc length defined by the surface 104. Each of the elongatedsealing elements 114 a, 114 b preferably taper narrowly in cross-section(perpendicular to the axis of elongation) having a first angled surface116 a and a second angled surface 116 b each extending from orcontiguous with the lower surface 104, as seen for example in FIG. 3C.Alternatively, the sealing elements 114 a, 114 b can define anycross-sectional geometry provided the sealing element provides thesealing function provided herein. The first angled surface 116 apreferably defines an included angle α with a line parallel to thecentral axis A-A of about forty-five degrees. The second angled surface116 b preferably defines an included angle β with a line parallel to thecentral axis A-A of about fifteen degrees. Disposed between the firstand second angled surfaces 116 a, 116 b is a terminal surface 116 c toterminate the sealing element and thereby define the height of theprojection. Preferably, the terminal surface 116 c defines a surfacehaving one or more radii of curvature over its length from the firstangled surface to the second angled surface. More preferably, theterminal surface 116 c defines a peak of the sealing element having atleast one radius of curvature.

The sealing elements 114 a, 114 b are preferably spaced apart so as todefine a void or channel 118 therebetween. The parallel first angledsurfaces 116 a of the sealing elements 114 a, 114 b along with a portionof the lower surface 104 disposed therebetween further define thesidewalls of the void or channel 118 and its channel height. The sealingelements 114 a, 114 b are configured to engage the seat member 26 of thevalve body 12 when the diaphragm is in the closed position so as to sealoff communication between the inlet 14 and the outlet 16 and morespecifically seal off communication between the inlet chamber 24 a andthe outlet chamber 24 b. Furthermore, the sealing members 114 a, 114 bengage the seat member such that the channel 118 cooperates with theseat member 26 to form an intermediate chamber 24 d to axially space theinlet chamber 24 a and the outlet chamber 24 b in a manner described ingreater detail herein below. The lower surface 104 of the diaphragm caninclude more than two sealing elements 114 a, 114 b provided that theadditional sealing elements cooperate with the seat member 26 in asealing fashion and allow for the formation of the intermediate chamber.Moreover, the lower surface 104 can be formed or constructed with anyother surface formation, such as a convolution, provided that theformation can effectively form a sealed engagement with the seat member26 and further provide for the channel 118 to facilitate formation ofthe intermediate chamber 24 d.

The material to be used for manufacturing the diaphragm 100 is dependenton the type of fluid being carried and on the temperature range to whichthe diaphragm is to be exposed. Preferably, the upper and lower surfaces102, 104 of the diaphragm 100 are constructed from layers of naturalrubber material having a durometer hardness or shore value of aboutseventy-five (75) and further a pressure rating of about 2560 pounds persquare inch (2560 psi.). Suitable materials for use at the upper andlower surfaces 102, 104 include, for example, nitrile butadiene rubberand neoprene. Materials that can be used for reinforcements between theupper and lower surface layers at middle layer 103 of the diaphragm 100include, for example, cotton and nylon and more preferably, nylon no. 2reinforced material.

The sealing elements 114 a, 114 b of the diaphragm member 100 areconfigured to form a sealed engagement with the seat member 26 of thevalve body 12. Shown in FIGS. 4A-4D are detailed views of the preferredlower valve body portion 12 b of the control valve 10. The lower controlvalve body 12 b preferably defines a first valve axis IVC-IVC. The inletand outlet 14, 16 of the control body are preferably centered about,coaxial with and spaced apart along the first valve axis IVC-IVC.Further centered along, spaced apart and substantially orthogonal to thefirst axis IVC-IVC are the fluid drain pipe 18 and the input opening 20each respectively in communication with the fluid supply chamber 24 aand the pressurized gas supply chamber 24 b. Also extending along thefirst axis IVC-IVC are brace or support members 28 a, 28 b. The supportmembers 28 a, 28 b are preferably aligned for engagement with thesupport pads 112 disposed or formed on the lower surface 104 of thediaphragm member 100. The support members 28 a, 28 b preferably extendfrom the flanges of the inlet and outlet 14, 16 to intersect the supportmember 26. The support members 28 a, 28 b preferably form a unitaryconstruction with the support member 26 and the rest of the lower valvebody 12 b, or alternatively, the support members 28 a, 28 b can bejoined to the support member 26 and the body 12 by other joiningtechniques such as, for example, welding.

The lower control valve body 12 b further preferably defines a secondaxis IVD-IVD which is substantially orthogonal to the first axisIVC-IVC. Preferably aligned with the second axis IVD-IVD is the seatmember 26 extending the width of the valve body 12 so as to effectivelydivide the chamber 24 in the lower valve body 12 into the preferablyspaced apart and preferably equal sized sub-chambers of the inletchamber 24 a and the outlet chamber 24 b. Moreover, the elongation ofthe seat member 26 preferably defines a curvilinear surface or archaving an arc length to mirror the convex surface of the lower surface104 of the diaphragm 100. Further extending along the preferred arclength of the seat member 26 is a groove 30 constructed or formed in thesurface of the seat member 26. The groove 30 preferably extends the fulllength of the seat member 26 so as to extend the width of the lowervalve body 12 b. Furthermore, the groove 30 preferably tapers narrowlyat its ends. In addition, the walls of the seat member 26 that definethe groove 30 are preferably parallel. Alternatively, the groove 30 canbe formed such that the walls forming the groove 30 are angled relativeto one another, another reference line or other surface in the valvebody 12. The portion of the seat surface 26 defining the bottom of thegroove 30 preferably forms a semi-circular arc in the planeperpendicular to the direction of elongation for the groove 30. Othergeometries are possible provided the channel 30 delivers the desiredfluid and pneumatic characteristics described herein. Moreover, thedepth of the groove 30 can vary along its length such that the groove 30is preferably deepest at its center and becomes more shallow toward itslateral ends. The groove 30 further bisects the engagement surface ofthe seat member 26 preferably evenly along the seat member length. Withthe support pads 112 of the diaphragm member 100 aligned to engage thesupport members 28 a, 28 b when the diaphragm member 100 is in theclosed positioned, the elongated sealing members 114 a, 114 b arepreferably aligned to engage the bisected surface of the seat members26. Engagement of the sealing members 114 a, 114 b with the engagementsurfaces 26 a, 26 b of the seat member 26 further places the channel 118of the diaphragm 100 in communication with the groove 30.

Shown in FIG. 4B is a detailed view of the seat member 26 and itsintersection with the support members 28 a, 28 b. Preferably, theengagement surfaces 26 a, 26 b of the seat member 26 are substantiallyplanar, and the width of the engagement further preferably widens in adirection from the center of the engagement seat 26 to the lateral endsof the seat member 26. Generally, the surfaces 26 a, 26 b are configuredsufficiently wide over their entire length so as to maintain sealingcontact with the sealing elements 114 a, 114 b. Moreover, the surfaces26 a, 26 b are configured wide enough so as to maintain sealing contactwith the sealing elements 114 a, 114 b regardless of any movement of thesealing elements 114 a, 114 b along the longitudinal axis IVC-IVC.Accordingly, the surfaces 26 a, 26 b can maintain sealed engagement withthe sealing elements 114 a, 114 b despite changes in fluid pressure ineither the inlet or outlet chamber 24 a, 24 b which can impose forces onthe diaphragm 100 and sealing elements 114 a, 114 b in a direction alongthe axis IVC-IVC.

The seat member 26 is preferably formed with a central base member 32that further separates and preferably spaces the inlet and outletchambers 24 a, 24 b and diverts fluid in a direction between thediaphragm 100 and the seat member engagement surfaces 26 a, 26 b. Asseen, for example, in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the base member 32 is preferablybroader in the direction along the first axis IVC-IVC than along thesecond axis IVD-IVD. The base member 32 is preferably substantiallyaligned with the central axis B-B of the valve body 12 which intersectssubstantially orthogonally the plane formed by the intersection of thefirst axis IVC-IVC and the second axis IVD-IVD. Preferably formed in thebase member 32 between the drain 18 and the input opening 20 is the port22.

The port 22 is preferably constructed as an alarm port from one or morevoids formed in the base member 32. Preferably, the port 22 includes afirst cylindrical portion 22 a formed in the base member 32. The firstcylindrical portion 22 a preferably defines a central axis off-set orspaced from the central axis B-B of the lower valve body 12. The firstcylindrical portion 22 a is further preferably wider in the directionalong the first axis IVC-IVC than in the direction along the second axisIVD-IVD. Accordingly, the first cylindrical portion 22 a is preferablyoblong in cross-section.

Axially in communication with the first cylindrical portion 22 a is asecond cylindrical portion 22 b formed in the base member 32. The secondcylindrical portion 22 b is preferably wider in the direction along thesecond axis IVD-IVD than in the direction along the first axis IVC-IVC.Accordingly, the second cylindrical portion 22 b is oblong incross-section and preferably elongated in a direction substantiallyorthogonal to the direction of elongation of the first cylindricalportion 22 a. The second cylindrical portion 22 b preferably defines acentral axis preferably aligned with the central axis B-B of the lowervalve body 12. Moreover, the second cylindrical portion 22 b preferablyaxially extends along the central axis B-B so as to intersect and be incommunication with the groove 30. Accordingly, the port 22 preferablyintersects and is in communication with the groove 30, and wherein whenthe diaphragm member 100 is in the closed position, the port 22 isfurther preferably in sealed communication with the channel 118 formedin the diaphragm member 100.

The communication between the diaphragm channel 118, the groove 30 andthe port 22 is preferably bound by the sealed engagement of the sealingelements 114 a, 114 b with the seat member surfaces 26 a, 26 b, tothereby define a preferred fourth chamber, intermediate chamber 24 d, asseen, for example, in FIG. 2A. The intermediate chamber 24 d ispreferably open to atmosphere thereby further defining a fluid seat,preferably an air seat to separate the inlet and outlet chambers 24 a,24 b. The inventors have discovered that providing an air seat betweenthe inlet and outlet chambers 24 a, 24 b allows each of the inlet andoutlet chambers to be filled and pressurized while avoiding failure ofthe sealed engagement between the sealing element 114 and the seatmember 26. Each sealing element 114 is acted upon by a fluid force ononly one side of the element and preferably atmospheric pressure on theother, the fluid pressure in the diaphragm chamber 24 c is effective tomaintain the sealed engagement between the sealing elements 114 and theseat member 26 during pressurization of the inlet and outlet chambers 24a, 24 b. Accordingly, the preferred diaphragm-type valve 10 caneliminate the need for a check valve downstream of the control valve,unlike, for example, the installations of the preaction fire protectionsystems shown and described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/887,040. Moreover, the preferred control valve 10 and the preferredintermediate chamber 24 d exposed to atmosphere can comply with theinstallation and/or operational requirements such as for example, FMStandard 1020, by providing a port for drainage or an alarm.

The ability to pressurize both the inlet and the outlet chambers 24 a,24 b is particularly useful where it is desirable to control release ofa primary fluid such as, for example, water, into a normally closedsystem while providing and maintaining the system with a pressurizedsecondary fluid such as, for example, compressed air. For example, thecontrol valve 10 can be installed and operated in a liquid/gas manifoldin the following manner. The control valve 10 is disposed between theprimary fluid source, such as for example, a water main and a thesecondary fluid source, such as for example, a compressed air feed or asource of compressed nitrogen gas. More specifically, as schematicallyshown, for example, in FIG. 5, the control valve 10 is preferablycoupled to the primary fluid main at the inlet 14. The fluid drain 18 ispreferably closed off by connection of an appropriate shut-off pipingelement such as, for example, a manual-shut off valve. The secondaryfluid or compressed gas source is coupled to the input opening 20, andthe outlet 16 is preferably coupled to the system to be filled andpressurized by the compressed gas.

The control valve 10 and the manifold can be placed into service bypreferably bringing the valve 10 to the normally closed position andsubsequently bringing the inlet chamber 24 a and the outlet chamber 24 bto operating pressure. In one preferred installation, the primary fluidsource is initially isolated from the inlet chamber 24 a by way of ashut-off control valve such as, for example, a manual control valvelocated upstream from the inlet 14. The secondary fluid source ispreferably initially isolated from the outlet chamber 24 b by way of ashut-off control valve located upstream from the input opening 20. Anequalizing fluid, such as water from the primary fluid source is thenpreferably introduced into the diaphragm chamber 24 c through thecentral opening 13 in the cover 12 a. Fluid is continuously introducedinto the chamber 24 c until the fluid exerts enough pressure P1 to bringthe diaphragm member 100 to the closed position in which the lowersurface 104 engages the seat member 26 and the sealing elements 114 a,114 b form a sealed engagement about the seat member 26.

With the diaphragm member 100 in the closed position, the inlet andoutlet chambers 24 a, 24 b can be pressurized respectively by theprimary and secondary fluids. More specifically, the shut-off valveisolating the primary fluid can be opened so as to introduce fluidthrough the inlet 14 and into the inlet chamber 24 a to preferablyachieve a static pressure P2. The shut-off valve isolating thecompressed gas can be opened to introduce the secondary fluid throughthe input opening 20 to pressurize the outlet chamber 24 b and thenormally closed system coupled to the outlet 16 of the control valve 10to achieve a static pressure P3.

As described above, the presence of the intermediate chamber 24 dseparating the inlet and outlet chamber 24 a, 24 b and which is normallyopen to atmosphere, maintains the primary fluid pressure P2 to one sideof the sealing member 114 a and the secondary fluid pressure P3 to oneside of the other sealing member 114 b. Thus, diaphragm member 100 andits sealing members 114 a, 114 b are configured so as to maintain thesealed engagement with the seat member 26 under the influence of thediaphragm chamber pressure P1. Accordingly, the upper and lowerdiaphragm surface areas A1, A2, and A3 are preferably sized such thatthe pressure P1 is large enough to provide a closing force on the uppersurface of the diaphragm member 100 so as to overcome the primary andsecondary fluid pressures P2, P3 urging the diaphragm member 100 to theopen position. However, preferably the ratio of the diaphragm pressureto either the primary fluid pressure P1:P2 or the secondary fluidpressure P1:P3 is minimized such that the valve 10 maintains a fastopening response, i.e. a low trip ratio, to release fluid from the inletchamber when needed. More preferably, every 1 psi of diaphragm pressureP1 is at least effective to seal about 1.2 psi of primary fluid pressureP2. This is an advantage over known diaphragm valves that are believedto require a 1:2.5 pressure ratio of diaphragm pressure to primary fluidpressure because in such known valves, the chambers are oriented suchthat the diaphragm pressure is directed completely in the normaldirection to the diaphragm seat and the incoming fluid. Known mechanicallatching deluge valves also are believed to require a 1:2.5 ratiobecause of similar chamber orientation and the need for a mechanicallatch or linkage. Because the preferred control valve 10 can use a lowerdiaphragm pressure P1 to primary fluid pressure P2, the valve 10 can beconstructed smaller than the known control valves of similar nominalvalve size. Moreover, the low pressure ratio, in combination with thechamber orientation and flexible diaphragm provides for the preferredcontrol valve 10 that is capable of providing effective surge control orresistance to minimizing or more preferably eliminate false trips.

To actuate the valve 10, fluid is preferably released from the diaphragmchamber 24 c at a faster rate than it can be replenished into thechamber 24 c. For example, a solenoid control valve coupled to thechamber inlet 13 can be electrically actuated to release fluid from thediaphragm chamber 24 c. The loss of pressure on the upper surface 102 ofthe diaphragm member 100 permits the fluid pressure in the adjacentfluid supply chamber 24 a to urge the diaphragm member to the openposition spaced from the seat member 26. Fluid is permitted to flow pastthe support members 28 a, 28 b (support members 28 a, 28 b not shown inFIG. 5 for clarity) to displace the compressed gas in the outlet chamber24 b for discharge out the outlet 16 and into the system coupled to thecontrol valve 10. Fluid is further permitted to fill the groove 30 andflow out the alarm port 22. With an appropriate flow alarm coupled tothe port 22, fluid flow can be detected and appropriate personnel can benotified of the operation of the valve 10.

Accordingly, the control valve 10 can be installed in a preaction fireprotection systems with its outlet 16 in communication with a riser pipethat is coupled to a network of sprinklers interconnected by pipes andpressurized by the compressed gas or air. More specifically, the controlvalve 10 can be installed in any one of the preaction fire protectionsystems shown and described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/887,040 without the need for a check valve located down stream of thevalve 10. Schematically shown in FIG. 6A is the preferred controlledvalve 10 installed in a preaction fire protection system 200. Inaddition to the control valve 10, the preaction system 200 includes apiping network of one or more fire protection devices, such as forexample, fire protection sprinklers 210 distributed along a feed main215 in accordance with one or more fire sprinkler installationstandards, such as for example, National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) publication, “NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of SprinklerSystems” (2007).

In accordance with the preferred installation described above, thecontrol valve 10 is installed in the fire protection system with itsoutlet coupled to the network of sprinklers 210 and feed main by a riserpipe 220. A compressed gas or air source 225 is placed in controlledcommunication with the input opening 20 for pressurizing the network ofsprinklers with supervisory air or gas preferably ranging from about8-12 psi. and more preferably about 10 psi. Alternatively, the preferredcontrol valve 10 can be installed in a deluge fire protection system inwhich the network of sprinklers is open to atmosphere. The inlet 14 ofthe control valve 10 is preferably placed in controlled communicationwith a preferred liquid supply source, such as for example, a water main230. Accordingly, the control valve 10 is installed such that the “wet”or liquid portion of the system is at the inlet side of the valve 10 andthe “dry” or gas portion of the system is on the outlet side of thevalve 10. The control valve 10 and the system 200 can be placed intoservice in a manner as described above such that the diaphragm member100 provides controlled sealed communication between the water main 230and the network of sprinklers 210. Moreover, the diaphragm can bebrought to the sealed position by the introduction of the fluid,preferably appropriately piped and trimmed from the fluid source 230through an appropriate restriction 233, into the diaphragm chamber 24 c,and each of the inlet and outlet chambers 24 a, 24 b can be brought topressure by respective introduction of water into the inlet 14 andcompressed air into the outlet 14. More preferably, the diaphragm 100 isheld in its sealed position with the inlet chamber 24 a under staticpressure from the water such that the sealing pressure and the staticwater pressure define the preferred ratio of P1: P2 substantially equalto about 1:1.2. Because the preferred control valve 10, upon seating inthe sealed position, forms the intermediate chamber 24 d to act as anair seat, the outlet chamber 24 b and the network of normally closedsprinklers define a closed system in the preaction system in whichincoming compressed air can fill the riser 220, the main feed 215 andprovide supervisory air to the network of sprinklers at the preferredpressure without the use of a check valve anywhere down stream of thevalve 10. Accordingly, between the outlet chamber 24 b of the controlvalve 10 and the network of sprinklers 210 a single and preferablysubstantially constant air pressure can be defined equivalent to thesupervisory air of the system 200.

The system 200 can be configured for single or double interlockoperation of the control valve 10. Furthermore, the operation of thecontrol valve 10 can be electrically, pneumatically, hydraulicallyactuated or a combination thereof. For example, the system 200 can beconfigured as a single interlock system having a detector 235 a fordetection of heat or smoke to send a detection signal, preferablythrough a control panel 240, to a solenoid valve 236, vented toatmosphere, that releases water from the diaphragm chamber 24 c foractuation of the control valve 10 as discussed above. The detector 235 acan be any one of a heat sensitive thermostat, smoke detector orelectric manual pull station. Alternatively, the system 200 can beconfigured as a single interlock system having dry pilot for actuationof the control valve 10. More specifically, the system 200 can include adry pilot line 245 that is pneumatically pressurized having one or morepilot sprinklers 250 acting as heat detectors disposed along the line245. Upon actuation of the pilot sprinklers 250 in the presence of afire, the release of pneumatic pressure can be configured to operate adry pilot actuator 255, vented to atmosphere, which can be coupled tothe control valve 10 to release water from the diaphragm chamber 24 c.Further in the alternative, the pilot line can be configured as anappropriately installed wet pilot line pressurized with water andcoupled to the diaphragm chamber 24 c. Actuation of the pilot sprinkler250 in the presence of a fire releases water from the wet pilot line 245and from the diaphragm chamber 24 c for operation of the control valve10.

Any one of the above single interlock systems can be alternativelyconfigured as a double interlock system. For example, the system 200 canbe configured as a double interlock system having a detector 235 a fordetection of heat or smoke to send a detection signal and a seconddetector 235 b for detecting low air pressure in the network ofsprinklers 210. Each of the detectors 235 a, 235 b can be coupled to areleasing panel in which actuation of each of the detectors is requiredto operate the releasing panel to release water from the diaphragmchamber 24 c and operate the control valve 10. Alternatively, the system200 can be configured as a double interlock system having dry pilot andan electrical interlock for actuation of the control valve 10. Morespecifically, the system 200 can include a dry pilot line 245 that ispneumatically pressurized having one or more pilot sprinklers 250 actingas heat detectors disposed along the line. Upon actuation of the pilotsprinklers 250 in the presence of a fire, the release of pneumaticpressure can be configured to operate a dry pilot actuator 255. Tooperate the control valve 10 the system can incorporate the heatdetector for energizing a solenoid valve that in series with the drypilot actuator 255 operates the control valve 10. In the alternative,the pilot line of the double interlock system can be configured as a wetpilot line pressurized with water and coupled to the diaphragm chamber24 c. Anyone of the above preaction systems preferably includes an alarmconnected to the alarm port 22 of the control valve 10 in order todetect the flow of fluid upon actuation of the control valve 10. Furtherin the alternative, the control valve 10 can be installed in anon-interlock preaction fire protection system.

While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certainembodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to thedescribed embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere andscope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited tothe described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by thelanguage of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid control valve comprising: a valve bodyhaving a first inner surface defining a chamber having a first axis anda second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the chamberincluding an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber andsubstantially aligned along the first axis, the inner surface includingan elongated seat member substantially aligned along the second axis,the seat member defining a groove, a portion of the body furtherdefining a port in communication with the groove; and a diaphragm memberdisposed within the chamber for controlling communication between theinlet and the outlet, the diaphragm member having an upper surface and alower surface, the lower surface including at least a pair of spacedapart elongated members defining a channel therebetween, the diaphragmmember having a first position permitting communication between theinlet and the outlet and a second position wherein the elongated membersengage the seat member such that the channel is in communication withthe groove to define an intermediate chamber in communication with theport; wherein the valve body includes an input opening a fluid drainopening disposed about the seat member, the input opening being incommunication with the outlet and the fluid drain opening being incommunication with the inlet.
 2. The fluid control valve of claim 1,wherein the elongated members define a substantially taperingcross-sectional area.
 3. The fluid control valve of claim 2, wherein thecross-sectional area tapers narrowly from the lower surface of thediaphragm to a terminal surface.
 4. The fluid control valve of claim 3,wherein the terminal surface includes at least one radius of curvature.5. The fluid control valve of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm memberdefines a central axis substantially perpendicular to the first andsecond axis, wherein further each of the elongated members include anangled surface relative to the central axis extending from the lowersurface of the diaphragm member to define a sidewall surface of thechannel.
 6. The fluid control valve of claim 5, wherein each of theangled surfaces defines an angle of about forty-five degrees relative tothe central axis.
 7. The fluid control valve of claim 1, wherein whenthe diaphragm is in the second position, the upper surface defines asubstantially concave surface and the lower surface defines a convexsurface.
 8. The fluid control valve of claim 1, wherein the seat memberdefines a curvilinear surface having an arc length for engaging thelower surface of the diaphragm member, the groove extending along thecurvilinear surface for substantially the entire arc length.
 9. Thefluid control valve of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of thediaphragm member includes a ring element circumscribing the uppersurface to engage the inner surface of the valve body to bias thediaphragm in the second position.
 10. The fluid control valve of claim1, wherein the valve body further includes a first brace member and asecond brace member, the first and second brace members being disposedabout and engaged with the seat member.
 11. The fluid control valve ofclaim 10, wherein the first and second brace members bisect the chamberalong the first axis, and the seat member bisects the chamber along thesecond axis.
 12. The fluid control valve of claim 10, wherein the firstand second brace members are integrally formed with the seat member. 13.The fluid control valve of claim 1, wherein the port defines asubstantially elongated oval cross-section.
 14. The fluid control valvecomprising: a valve body having a first inner surface defining a chamberhaving a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular to thefirst axis, the chamber including an inlet and an outlet incommunication with the chamber and substantially aligned along the firstaxis, the inner surface including an elongated seat member substantiallyaligned along the second axes, the seat member defining a groove, aportion of the body defining a port in communication with the groove;and a diaphragm member disposed within the chamber for controllingcommunication between the inlet and the outlet, the diaphragm memberhaving an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface includingat least a pair of spaced apart elongated members defining a channeltherebetween, the diaphragm member having a first position permittingcommunication between the inlet and the outlet and a second positionwherein the elongated members engage the seat member such that thechannel is in communication with the groove to define an intermediatechamber in communication with the port; wherein the valve body defines acentral axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes,the port being substantially aligned with the central axis; and whereinthe port has a first portion having a first width opening and a secondportion axially aligned with the first portion, the second portionhaving a second width opening having a width smaller than the firstwidth opening.
 15. The fluid control valve of claim 14, wherein thefirst portion and the second portion are substantially cylindrical eachhaving a central axis, the central axis of the first portion beingspaced from the central axis of the second portion.
 16. The fluidcontrol valve of claim 14, wherein the second width is defined along thefirst axis and the second portion defines a third width along the secondaxis greater than the second width.
 17. The fluid control valve of claim14, wherein the elongated members define a substantially taperingcross-sectional area.
 18. The fluid control valve of claim 17, whereinthe cross-sectional area tapers narrowly from the lower surface of thediaphragm to a terminal surface.
 19. A fluid control valve of claim 18,wherein the terminal surface includes at least one radius of curvature.20. The fluid control valve of claim 14, wherein the diaphragm memberdefines a central axis substantially perpendicular to the first andsecond axis, wherein further each of the elongated members include anangled surface relative to the central axis extending from the lowersurface of the diaphragm member to define a sidewall surface of thechannel.
 21. The fluid control valve of claim 20, wherein each of theangled surfaces defines an angle of about forty-five degrees relative tothe central axis.
 22. The fluid control valve of claim 14, wherein whenthe diaphragm is in the second position, upper surface defines asubstantially concave surface and the lower section defines a convexsurface.
 23. The fluid control valve of claim 14, wherein the seatmember defines a curvilinear surface having an arc length for engagingthe lower surface of the diaphragm member, the groove extending alongthe curvilinear surface for substantially the entire arc length.
 24. Thefluid control valve of claim 14, wherein the upper surface of thediaphragm member includes a ring element circumscribing the uppersurface to engage the inner surface of the valve body to bias thediaphragm in the second position.
 25. The fluid control valve of claim14, wherein the valve body further includes a first brace member and asecond brace member, the first and second brace members being disposedabout and engaged with the seat member.
 26. The fluid control valve ofclaim 25, wherein the first and second brace members bisect the chamberalong the first axis, and the seat member bisects the chamber along thesecond axis.
 27. The fluid control valve of claim 25, wherein the firstand second brace members are integrally formed with the seat member. 28.The fluid control valve of claim 14, wherein the valve body includes aninput opening and a fluid drain opening disposed about the seat member,the input opening being in communication with the outlet and the fluidopening being in communication with the inlet.
 29. The fluid controlvalve of any one of claims 1 or 14, wherein the groove forms asemi-circular arc in a plane perpendicular to the direction ofelongation of the groove.
 30. The fluid control valve of any one ofclaims 1 or 14, wherein the depth of the groove varies along its lengthsuch that the groove is deepest at its center and more shallow towardits lateral ends.
 31. The fluid control valve of any one of claims 1 or14, wherein the groove further bisects the engagement surface of theseat member evenly along the seat member length.
 32. The fluid controlvalve of any one of claims 1 or 14, wherein the groove tapers narrowlyat its ends.
 33. A fluid control valve for providing fluid controlbetween a first fluid and a second fluid comprising: a body having aninlet, an outlet, and inner surface defining a passageway between theinlet and the outlet, the body further including a port in communicationwith the passageway and located between the inlet and the outlet; and aflexible member engaged with the inner surface to dissect the passagewayto define an inlet chamber in communication with the inlet for housingthe first fluid, an outlet chamber in communication with the outlet forhousing the second fluid and an intermediate chamber disposed betweenthe inlet chamber and the outlet chamber and in communication with theport; wherein the port includes a first portion defining a first widthand a second portion axially aligned with the first portion and defininga second width, wherein further the first width is greater than thesecond width.
 34. The valve of claim 33, further comprising a diaphragmchamber adjacent the inlet and outlet chambers.
 35. The valve of claim33, wherein the flexible member has an upper surface in communicationwith the diaphragm chamber and defining an upper surface area, theflexible member having a lower surface including a first lower surfaceportion in communication with the inlet chamber and a second lowersurface portion in communication with the outlet chamber, whereinfurther each of the first and second lower surface portions define asurface area about equivalent to one half of the upper surface area. 36.The valve of claim 35, wherein the ratio of the surface area defined bythe first and second lower surface portions to the upper surface area isabout 1:1.
 37. The valve of claim 36, wherein the ratio of the surfacearea defined by the first and second lower surface portion to the uppersurface area is 1.2:1.
 38. A method of pressurizing a chamber in a fluidcontrol valve having a diaphragm member, the method comprising: seatingthe diaphragm to form a gas chamber axially spaced from a liquid supplychamber; forming a gas seat between the gas and liquid chamber; whereinforming the gas seat includes exposing the gas seat to atmosphericpressure.
 39. A method of pressurizing a chamber in a fluid controlvalve having a diaphragm member, the method comprising: seating thediaphragm to form a gas chamber axially spaced from a liquid supplychamber; forming a gas seat between the gas and liquid chamber; whereinseating the diaphragm comprises: applying a fluid pressure on a portionof an upper surface of the diaphragm; applying a liquid pressure on afirst lower surface portion of the diaphragm within the liquid chamber;applying a gas pressure on a second lower surface portion of thediaphragm within the gas chamber; the ratio of the fluid pressure to theliquid pressure being about 1 psi. of fluid pressure to about 1.2 psi.of liquid pressure.
 40. The system for fire protection comprising: aprimary fluid; a secondary fluid; a normally closed piping network ofsprinklers; and a fluid control valve including a valve body having afirst inner surface defining a chamber having a first axis and a secondaxis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the chamberincluding an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber andsubstantially aligned along the first axis, the inner surface includingan elongated seat member substantially aligned along the second axis,the seat member defining a groove, a portion of the body furtherdefining a port in communication with the groove; and a flexible memberengaged with the inner surface to dissect the passageway to define aninlet chamber in communication with the inlet for housing the primaryfluid at a first pressure, an outlet chamber in communication with thenetwork of pipes so as to form a normally closed system to house thesecond fluid at a second pressure, the second pressure beingsubstantially constant between the outlet chamber and the network ofpipes and greater than atmospheric pressure, wherein the flexible memberengages the seat member to define an intermediate chamber incommunication with the port; wherein the valve body includes an inputopening and a fluid drain opening disposed about the seat member, theinput opening being in communication with the outlet and the fluid drainopening being in communication with the inlet.
 41. The system of claim40, wherein the flexible member comprises elongated members that engagewith the inner surface further defines an intermediate chamber betweenthe inlet and outlet chamber.
 42. The system of claim 41, wherein theintermediate chamber is at least one of open to atmosphere and incommunication with an alarm port.
 43. The system of claim 40, whereinthe flexible member further dissects the passageway to define adiaphragm chamber adjacent the inlet and the outlet chambers.
 44. Thesystem of claim 43, wherein a portion of the primary fluid is directedinto the diaphragm to define an equalizing pressure to hold the flexiblemember into sealed engagement with the inner surface.
 45. The diaphragmof claim 44, wherein the equalizing pressure and the first pressuredefine a ratio of about 1:1.2.
 46. The system of claim 44, furthercomprising a release valve in communication with the diaphragm chamberto the release valve equaling pressure and release the flexible memberfrom engagement with the inner surface so that the primary fluid is incommunication with the network of sprinklers, the release valve being atleast one of single interlock and double interlock.
 47. The system ofclaim 46, wherein the release valve is an electrically actuated solenoidvalve.
 48. The system of claim 46, wherein the release valve is apneumatically actuated valve.
 49. The system of claim 46, wherein therelease valve is a hydraulically actuated valve.
 50. The system of claim46, further comprising at least one detector to signal actuation of therelease valve.
 51. The system of claim 50, wherein the detector is oneof a heat detector and a pressure loss detector.
 52. The system of claim40, wherein the second pressure ranges from about 8 psi. to about 12psi.
 53. The system of claim 52, wherein second pressure is about 10psi.